A 24-year-old Thai footballer has died after being struck by lightning during a match in southern Thailand, while 12 other players were injured in the incident.
Sofwan Awae suffered critical injuries when lightning struck the pitch at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, according to police.
Despite efforts by emergency medical teams to save him, Awae died from his injuries, police chief Thun Sirikhunt said, according to Bernama.
Dramatic footage of the incident has since circulated on social media, showing a lightning bolt hitting the playing area in an instant, followed by a powerful explosion that sent players scrambling.
Awaeβs teammates immediately rushed towards him after the strike. They turned him onto his back and attempted to resuscitate him before medical assistance arrived.
Police said 12 players were injured in the incident, including a Malaysian, and were subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
The match was part of the Golok FA Cup, a local competition involving amateur teams from Thailand and Malaysia. Awaeβs side, SAMCOLTS, were playing Abu x Nong Sirin when the lightning strike occurred.
A winger, Awae had recently joined Thai third-tier club Yala FC, having secured a move to the club shortly before his death.
Yala FC paid tribute to their new signing following the tragedy.
βWe extend our condolences to the family of our new FC Yala player, Sofwan Awae," the club said.
π π§π₯ππππ π‘ππͺπ¦: Safwan Awae, a player for a Thai League 3 club, has sadly π£ππ¦π¦ππ ππͺππ¬ after being struck by lightning during a Kolok FA Cup match in Thailand.
β Football Faithfuls (@FootyFaithfuls) August 5, 2026
Our heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone affected by thisβ¦
FKA/AM
